Which comes first??

Have you ever heard the expression which came first the chicken or the egg? A similar question is often asked when patients begin the process of braces, and know that they will require a tooth replacement in order to achieve ideal results.  What comes first braces or dental implants?  While each orthodontic case is different, generally dental implants will be placed after orthodontic treatment is completed.  Since dental implants are permanently placed in the bone and cannot be moved, it is best to align the teeth in their proper location prior to placing the implant. However, there are some cases in which a dental implant may be placed prior to starting orthodontic treatment. Those cases are typically when patients are missing teeth, and an implant would be used as an anchoring device for the orthodontist.  Communication between the orthodontist and the general dentist is imperative during the orthodontic treatment to ensure that proper room is made for the implant placement. It is wise that the orthodontist and general dentist discuss the treatment plan, along with the placing of an implant prior to the onset of any treatment.